True Meaning of Friendship

Many times I catch myself sad that I don't have that "best friend"....but I have many best friends actually. 

In fact I work with one of my best friends. It sounds middle school or childish at my age to say best friend but that is how I feel about her.

We have been working together for about 2.5 years. It didn't take long at all for us to become friends. I have trusted her from day one and I have felt comfortable being 100% myself. I know I can call her at any time of the day and she would answer. She would do and does whatever she can to help me. She has even given me sweet hugs when my grandmother passed and I was so lost at work. I still remember her saying 'I know you don't like hugging but it's what you need." And of course, as always she was right. 

We celebrate birthdays together, I adore her two sweet and handsome boys and her relationship with her husband is beautiful. She probably doesn't realize how much I truly look up to her. She is a hard worker and an amazing mother. One day when I have a family I want to be half the mom and wife she is...I am not sure I could ever measure up to her. 

When I was (and still am) going through the toughest part of my life to date and she has always been there; to just listen and offer advice and reassure me I am going to be better in the end. She's a rock for me. 

One of the many things I envy of hers...is her trendy style and her SHOES!! She is an addict of shoes and they are normally heels that I would break my neck in but she rocks them all the time! 

Today she shared a Mexican fiesta with me for lunch. Fajita, chicken, sausage, charro beans, amazing salsa and queso. She and her husband made it all and it was to die for. 

That's what real friends are for!! Oh and she made cake balls. I tell her all the time she needs a bakery. 

She is definitely an amazing person with such a pure heart and incredibly giving and caring. I am thankful I get to call her my friend...one of my best friends. 

Thanks Barbara for always being a friend and I look forward to our relationship only to grow and strengthen!! 

Cheers, Nelly

Tis Life

Geez sometimes my life just picks up and fast forwards itself without my permission. So rude, right?! I think so. 

Last I posted was day light savings... Since then I've ran a 5k, enjoyed the 100th Anniversary of the Battleship of Texas, enjoyed a happy hour with friends and a great weekend with my main squeeze. Ha! Isn't that the hip way to say boyfriend these days?! 

I didn't do well in my 5k, timing wise, but I ran the entire route and finished strong. I may possibly have another race this weekend. 

The battleship was so fun. And Robert Earl Keen performed. It was rainy and cold and muddy but tons of fun with friends and family!!

Life is great right now and I only have faith it's going to get better.... And busier. 

I have a ton of trips planned for the next few months and I cannot wait!! 

Cheers, Nelly

And there was light...

Yal I love love LOVE daylight savings time in the spring! I am sitting here and it's still light outside and 730p. This makes me one happy chica!! 

This weekend was a nice and relaxing couple of days. Friday I chilled at home and watched documentaries about Russia's prisons and lets just say they know what they are doing. I hit the hay pretty early and Saturday was up at 530a. But I was ok with that; I had lots of errands to run and I also needed to go for a run. I waited for the sun to rise around 730 and headed out before it rained....yea that didn't work as I planned. It drizzled on me and the wind was brutal to my ears. I got in only two miles but hey better than nada. I have a 5k this weekend so I really need to be out there. I plan to run tomorrow for sure. 

Saturday I was literally out all day getting things taken care of...from my car being serviced to returning items at the running store to...drum roll please....I got my toe worked on!!! 

Look at that there toe nail folks!!! Fake it til you make it! 

I went to dinner and drinks with some fun friends Saturday night. We always have a good time and lots of laughs. 

Sunday... well all productivity went out the window. I slept til noon. Me! Sleeping! And til noon!!! Call the doctor, something isn't right!!! Ok ok don't because if it's wrong, I don't want to be right. It felt so great sleeping and sleeping good. I actually didn't even get out of bed til 1p and I made a quick breakfast taco with amazing homemade salsa from my good friend. 

I decided to watch another documentary about the secret service and I swear I was dozing off again! Crazy!! So I decided at 430 I should get out of my pajamas and head to the grocery store since my fridge was super empty...

I made a quick trip to trader joes and stopped by a Redbox and picked up three movies; Blue Jasmine, Last Vegas, Wolverine. Blue jasmine was interesting, not bad just different. Last Vegas was super funny and emotional. I definitely recommend. I didn't have enough time to watch Wolverine, thank goodness I had one free rental. 

All in all a great weekend. And then this is how my Monday went...

Apparently you aren't suppose to let it get that low on fuel... I kid. I know better. I was just pushing it, ya know living on the edge, being adventurous, taking a walk in the wild side. Then I realized I might actually have to walk so I stopped and filled up. Really wishing these gas prices chill out and go back down. Me no likey. 

But here's to another week... Make it count, make it worth it, make it great! 

Cheers, Nelly

Houston Rodeo and BBQ Cookoff

Last weekend I went to the Houston Rodeo BBQ Cookoff. I had been before but it was years ago. The Uphams and Avingers sponsor the University of Houston tent which allows us to eat and drink all the goodies they cook at the tent. The chicken was so moist, the pulled beef was flavorful and I enjoyed the fajita beef too. Calista created a mash up of potato salad and ranch style beans and it was yummy!! 

This is the stack of ribs they prepped for one day. Each bundle is three racks. Lotsa ribs in my belly!!

There was entertainment but I can't remember the bands. It was good Texas country for sure. And the people watching was in full effect. Some people just amaze me that they leave the house dressed the way they are. 

In Texas everything is bigger! I saw this random guy walking by with these beads and had to get a picture! Go big or go home!! 

Sunday we went to Pappasitos brunch and their frozen mimosas are super refreshing. And we had such a fun server. It was a great Sunday! Even went back to the Avingers and played encore... Which I am horrible at... And we jammed music. 

I attempted to watch the oscars but yea a nap was more necessary. 

Can't wait for next year!

Cheers, Nelly

Birthday Recap

I know it's a little late but hey better late than never... 

My birthday was conveniently on a Friday and a group of coworkers got together at one of my favorite bar and restaurants. Sadly, we had horrible service. What made up for it was the immense amount of laughter and smiles and good memories we all made. 

My good good friend BM bought me a shot or two in retaliation from her birthday! It was a yummy birthday cake shot! 

ST brought glowsticks!! I loved them! And wore them all...no sharing on my birthday! 

And then Saturday the Uphams came for a continued celebration! I didn't know J was coming along and it was the best surprise!

We had a ton of fun! Saturday was National Margarita Day...fitting enough we went to the famous Joe T Garcias. 

It was a beautiful Saturday and we were able to sit by the pool at Joe Ts. 

We went home and took a nap and then headed out for some two stepping. My coworkers joined us and taught me how to twirl and twirl and twirl ... It was so much fun and I want to learn more moves.

I even broke in my new boots!

Sunday was a pretty relaxed day. We headed to the stockyards to see the cattle drive that happens twice a day. 

Afterwards we picked up some yummy lunch at Freds. Here there is always live music and yummy burgers. 

We got Calistas nails done after she envied mine. Told yal I love my girl Lynn at Kool Nails. J wanted to go to Gas Monkey  near Dallas. He watches some show about a car garage and the owners have this restaurant. We all split the chicken fried steak with truffle three cheese macaroni and garlic mashed potatoes. It was heavenly!! The place was pretty rockin too! 

The weekend was definitely loaded full to the brim with fun and great memories!! Excited for another year! 

Cheers, Nelly